Green Bay Packers: 4-Round 2019 mock draft following free agency
By Joe Kipp
Round 4, Pick 118: Justin Hollins, EDGE, Oregon
What was once considered the largest need on the team, Green Bay’s pass rushing woes were addressed with a dose of Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith in free agency. These signings afford the Packers the ability to wait on drafting an edge defender until the later rounds. So, with the 118th pick, Green Bay selects Justin Hollins of Oregon.
Hollins is an athletic freak off the edge. That being said, he’s still working to refine his game. He clocked in at 6-5 and 248 pounds at the Combine, and posted a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, 7.06-second 3-Cone time, 36.5-inch vertical leap and benched 25 reps. His athletic profile compares very similarly to Anthony Barr, though Barr was a much better prospect coming out of college.
"“Hollins has shown consistent growth as a prospect and flashes every-down potential at times, but his lack of consistent aggression and force could be a limiting factor. He should find special teams reps early on, but his future might very well be defined by his team’s ability to develop and unlock his capacity as a disruptive pass rusher.” – NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein"
Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency first wave. dark
The Packers can afford to take a gamble on Hollins, who may need a year to learn under new outside linebackers coach Mike Smith. Smith spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs where he served as outside linebackers coach for one season. He played a large part in developing star pass rusher Dee Ford during his breakout season in 2018.